Governor Cuomo Lifts Cold Weather Travel Ban Early this morning Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the tractor trailer and commercial bus travel ban has been lifted for most of the previously-announced roads. The travel ban imposed for the freezing weather included full roadway closures for most of New York’s Interstate roads and ended after a full evaluation by State Police concluding conditions on these roads were safe. Other state roads like I-81 continue to remain shut down as part of the ban until further notice.

Man Arrested and Charged for Tuscarora Snowmobile AccidentAfter the death of his wife in a snowmobiling accident last week, David Gee Junior, was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter, aggravated driving while intoxicated, and felony driving while intoxicated. Gee’s wife Billiejo was a passenger that was killed in a crash on State Route 417 in the Town of Tuscarora. State police say David Gee failed to give the right-of-way to the car and neither of the two were wearing helmets as they hit a van while attempting to cross the road. Gee was arraigned in the Town of Bath and sent to jail without bail. State troopers say the investigation into this crash is continuing.

Sandpit Road Traffic Stop Ends With Two ArrestsTwo Steuben County residents are facing felony drug charges following a traffic stop on Sand Pit Road in the town of Bath. 41-year-old Nancy Lin of Corning and 60-year-old Mark Norton of Bath were both charged with criminal possession of narcotics, a class C felony. Lin was also charged with drinking alcohol in a vehicle on the highway and other traffic infractions.

Senator O’Mara Reminds Public of Flood Funding DeadlineLocal State Senator of the 51st District Tom O'Mara reminds Southern Tier homeowners seeking state aid for August’s severe floods need to file their applications by this Monday, February 4th. Homeowners can be assisted by receiving funding to cover damages not fully covered by insurance or other forms of aid. The state announced in November that $13 million would be available for restoration and recovery efforts and a maximum of $50,000 of grants are available to homeowners in Chemung, Schuyler, Broome, Seneca, Tioga, Delaware and Chenango Counties. New York State Homes and Community Renewal administered the grants that can be applied to reimbursing repairs and restorations for utility systems and housing. For more information, please visit www.arbordevelopment.org and www.sheenhousing.org

MHANY Urges Legislators to Consider Recreational Marijuana RisksAs this year’s state legislative session warms up in Albany, the vote for recreational marijuana legalization is on the minds of many New Yorkers but The Mental Health Association of New York State says state officials should proceed with caution while they consider proposals to legalize cannabis. MHANY said in a statement this week that legislative leaders must be mindful that marijuana carries risk for dependence, addiction and negative impact on the neurological development of minors. The organization also suggested warning labels similar to tobacco products, expanded efforts to educate the public about the substance and the prohibition of recreational marijuana for those who are under age 25.

Police Announce Superbowl DWI Crackdown Begins TodayLocal troopers and municipal police agencies begin this weekend’s statewide STOP-DWI Super Bowl Crackdown today. The campaign will continue until this Monday February 4th as police work to combat impaired driving with higher presence and sobriety checkpoints. Residents are also reminded of the county’s Social Host Law, which will see those who host private parties for underage drinkers held responsible. And for those working in retail where alcohol is served, police say to look out for those noticeably impaired as there could be some civil liability.